Compound

ABSTRACT

The instant invention relates to sulphamate compounds of formula I, wherein A represents a ring structure, B represents a ring structure, D a ring structure, C is a bond, E is a link joining ring structure B to the ring structure D, X represents a suitable first group, and Y represents a suitable second group; wherein one ring of the compound is a phenolic ring; and wherein any one of ring structures A, B and D has bound thereto a sulphamate group.

[0001] The present invention relates to a compound.

[0002] In particular the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.

[0003] Breast and endometrial cancers are major causes of death in Western women. In particular, tumours in endocrine-dependent tissues, such as the breast and endometrium, occur most frequently in postmenopausal women at a time when the ovaries have ceased their production of oestrogens.

[0004] Evidence suggests that oestrogens are the major mitogens involved in stimulating and promoting the growth of tumours in endocrine-dependent tissues, such as the breast and endometrium². Although plasma oestrogen concentrations are similar in women with or without breast cancer, breast tumour oestrone and oestradiol levels are significantly higher than in normal breast tissue or blood. In addition, in postmenopausal women oestrogens continue to be produced by extraglandular production in adipose tissue but also in normal and malignant breast tissues²².

[0005]FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing some of the enzymes involved in the in silu synthesis of oestrone from oestrone sulphate, oestradiol and androstenedione.

[0006] In FIG. 2, which schematically shows the origin of oestrogenic steroids in postmenopausal women, “ER” denotes Oestrogen Receptor, “DHA/-S” denotes Dehydroepiandrosterone/-Sulphate, “Adiol” denotes Androstenediol, “E1-STS” denotes Oestrone Sulphatase, “DHA-STS” denotes DHA-sulphatase, “Adiol-STS” denotes Adiol Sulphatase, and “17B-HSD” denotes Oestradiol 17B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

[0007] As can be seen, the main two enzymes that are involved in the peripheral synthesis of oestrogens are the aromatase enzyme and the enzyme oestrone sulphatase.

[0008] In short, the aromatase enzyme converts androstenedione, which is secreted in large amounts by the adrenal cortex, to oestrone. Recent reports have suggested that some flavones could inhibit aromatase activity^(35,36).

[0009] Much of the oestrone so formed, however, is converted to oestrone sulphate (E1S) and there is now a considerable body of evidence showing that E1S in plasma and tissue acts as a reservoir for the formation of oestrone by the action of oestrone sulphatase²³.

[0010] In this regard, it is now believed that the oestrone sulphatase (E1-STS) pathway—i.e. the hydrolysis of oestrone sulphate to oestrone (E1S to E1) is the major source of oestrogen in breast tumours^(1,2). This theory is supported by a modest reduction of plasma oestrogen concentration in postmenopausal women with breast cancer treated by aromatase inhibitors, such as aminoglutethimide and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione^(3,4) and also by the fact that plasma E1S concentration in these aromatase inhibitor-treated patients remains relatively high. The long half-life of E1S in blood (10-12 h) compared with the unconjugated oestrogens (20 min)⁵ and high levels of steroid sulphatase activity in liver and, normal and malignant breast tissues, also lend support to this theory⁶.

[0011] Thus, oestrogen formation in malignant breast and endometrial tissues via the sulphatase pathway makes a major contribution to the high concentration of oestrogens which are present in these tumours^(24,25).

[0012] PCT/GB92/01587 teaches novel steroid sulphatase inhibitors and pharmaceutical compositions containing them for use in the treatment of oestrone dependent tumours, especially breast cancer. These steroid sulphatase inhibitors are sulphamate esters, such as N,N-dimethyl oestrone-3-sulphamate and, preferably, oestrone-3-sulphamate (otherwise known as “EMATE”).

[0013] EMATE is a potent E1-STS inhibitor as it displays more than 99% inhibition of E1-STS activity in intact MCF-7 cells at 0.1 μM. EMATE also inhibits the E1-STS enzyme in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner, thereby indicating that it acts as an active site-directed inactivator^(7,8).

[0014] Although EMATE was originally designed for the inhibition of E1-STS, it also inhibits dehydroepiandrosterone sulphatase (DHA-STS), which is an enzyme that is believed to have a pivotal role in regulating the biosynthesis of the oestrogenic steroid androstenediol^(8,9). This is of significance as there is now evidence to suggest that androstenediol may be of even greater importance as a promoter of breast tumour growth¹⁰.

[0015] EMATE is also active in vivo as almost complete inhibition of rat liver E1-STS (99%) and DHA-STS (99%) activities resulted when it is administered either orally or subcutaneously¹¹. In addition, EMATE has been shown to have a memory enhancing effect in rats¹⁴. Studies in mice have suggested an association between DHA-STS activity and the regulation of part of the immune response. It is thought that this may also occur in humans^(15,16). The bridging O-atom of the sulphamate moiety in EMATE is believed to be important for inhibitory activity. Thus, when the 3-O-atom is replaced by other heteroatoms—as in oestrone-3-N-sulphamate and oestrone-3-S-sulphamate—these analogues are weaker non-time-dependent inactivators¹².

[0016] Thus, EMATE is a potent steroid sulphatase inhibitor which blocks the hydrolysis of both E1S and DHA-S²⁹⁻³¹. This inhibitor, therefore, not only blocks the synthesis of oestrone from E1S but also the formation of androstenediol from DHA-S.

[0017] In addition to oestrone, the other major steroid with oestrogenic properties which is produced by postmenopausal women is androstenediol (see FIG. 2). Androstenediol, although an androgen, can bind to the oestrogen receptor (ER) and can stimulate the growth of ER positive breast cancer cells and the growth of carcinogen-induced mammary tumours in the rat^(26,27). Importantly, in postmenopausal women 90% of the androstenediol produced originates from the androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHA-S) which is secreted in large amounts by the adrenal cortex. DHA-S is converted to DHA by DHA sulphatase, which may be the same as, or different from, the enzyme, oestrone sulphatase, which is responsible for the hydrolysis of E1S²⁸.

[0018] During the last 10-15 years considerable research has also been carried out to develop potent aromatase inhibitors, some of which are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. However, in three recent reports of postmenopausal women with breast cancer who received aromatase inhibitor therapy, plasma E1S concentrations remained between 400-1000 pg/ml³²⁻³⁴.

[0019] In summation therefore in sits synthesis of oestrogen is thought to make an important contribution to the high levels of oestrogens in tumours and therefore specific inhibitors of oestrogen biosynthesis are of potential value for the treatment of endocrine-dependent tumours.

[0020] Moreover, even though oestrogen formation in malignant breast and endometrial tissues via the sulphatase pathway makes a major contribution to the high concentration of oestrogens, there are still other enzymatic pathways that contribute to in vivo synthesis of oestrogen.

[0021] Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for the treatment of these cancers.

[0022] The present invention therefore seeks to overcome one or more of the problems associated with the prior art methods of treating breast and endometrial cancers.

[0023] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sulphamate compound suitable for use as an inhibitor of both oestrone sulphatase activity and aromatase activity.

[0024] In a highly preferred embodiment, the compound of the present invention is a non-steroidal compound.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound having the general formula II wherein F represents a phenolic ring structure (a first ring structure), J represents a third ring structure, I represents a phenolic ring structure (a second ring structure), G is an optional double bond, H is a link joining the second ring structure to the third ring structure, and Y represents a suitable second group; wherein any one of ring structures F, J and I has bound thereto a sulphamate group.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound according to the present invention for use as a pharmaceutical.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound according to the present invention for inhibiting oestrone sulphatase activity and aromatase activity.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to the present invention; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.

[0029] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a compound according to the present invention in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical for inhibiting oestrone sulphatase activity and aromatase activity.

[0030] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for preparing a compound according to the present invention, the process comprising sulphating a flavone, isoflavone or a flavanone.

[0031] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for preparing a compound according to the present invention, the process comprising sulphamaylating a flavone, isoflavone or a flavanone.

[0032] In one aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a compound, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, that can affect, such as substantially inhibit, not only the oestrone sulphatase pathway—which pathway converts oestrone to and from oestradiol—but also the aromatase pathway—which pathway converts the androgen precursor androstenedione to oestrone.

[0033] This aspect of the present invention is advantageous because by the administration of one type of compound it is possible to block the synthesis of oestrone from both androstenedione and E1S.

[0034] In addition, the present invention is further advantageous in that it may also be possible to block the formation of androstenediol from DHA-S.

[0035] Hence, the present invention provides compounds that have considerable therapeutic advantages, particularly for treating breast and endometrial cancers.

[0036] The compounds of the present invention are different from those disclosed in the prior art because they can act as therapeutic agents that possess both aromatase and steroid sulphatase inhibitory properties.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment the compound of the present invention comprises a first ring structure and a sulphamoyl group, which first ring structure may be substituted and/or unsaturated.

[0038] Preferably the first ring structure is a phenolic ring structure, which phenolic ring may be substituted.

[0039] Preferably, the compound of the present invention further comprises a second ring structure, which second ring structure may be substituted and/or unsaturated.

[0040] Preferably the second ring structure is a phenolic ring structure, which phenolic ring may be substituted.

[0041] Preferably, the compound of the present invention further comprises a third ring structure which is intermediate the first ring structure and the second ring structure, which third ring structure may be substituted and/or unsaturated.

[0042] The present invention will now be described by reference to the Formulae presented in FIGS. 3-9.

[0043] In this regard, its is generally preferred that the compound of the present invention has the general formula I wherein A represents the first ring structure, B represents the third ring structure, D represents the second ring structure, C is an optional double bond, E is a link joining the second ring structure to the third ring structure, X represents a suitable first group, and Y represents a suitable second group; wherein any one of ring structures A, B and D is a phenolic ring; and wherein any one of ring structures A, B and D has bound thereto a sulphamate group.

[0044] Each of the ring structures can independently comprise from 3 to 20 atoms in the ring, preferably from 4 to 8 atoms in the ring. Preferably, ring A and ring D comprise 6 atoms in the ring.

[0045] Preferably, the first ring structure and the second ring structure are substituted.

[0046] Preferably, any one of ring structures A and D has bound thereto a sulphamate group.

[0047] Preferably, each of the first ring and the second ring is a homogeneous ring structure—i.e. the ring is made up of the same atoms.

[0048] Preferably, each of the first ring and the second ring comprises only carbon atoms in the ring.

[0049] X may be C or C═O. Preferably, X is C═O.

[0050] Preferably, the compound of the present invention has the general formula II wherein F represents a phenolic ring structure (the first ring structure), J represents the third ring structure, I represents a phenolic ring structure (the second ring structure), G is an optional double bond, H is a link joining the second ring structure to the third ring structure, and Y represents a suitable second group; wherein any one of ring structures F, J and I has bound thereto a sulphamate group.

[0051] Preferably, the third ring structure is a heterogeneous ring structure—i.e. different atoms are in the ring.

[0052] Y may be N (including NH, substituted N), C (including CH₂, substituted C), O, or S. Preferably, Y is O.

[0053] Preferably any one of the ring structures F and I has bound thereto a sulphamate group.

[0054] Preferably, link E or link H is a bond.

[0055] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is a sulphamate of any one of a flavone, an isoflavone or a flavanone.

[0056] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is any one of a compound of the general formula IV, a compound of the general formula V, or a compound of the general formula VI; wherein R₁-R₁₂ are independently selected from H, OH, a halogen, an amine, an amide, a sulphonamine, a sulphonamide, any other sulphur containing group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an aryl group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ether, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ester, a phosphorous containing group; and wherein at least one of R₁-R₁₂ is a sulphamate group.

[0057] Preferably, the sulphamate group has the general formula OSO₂NR₁₃R₁₄ wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently selected from H, OH, a halogen, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an aryl group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ether, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ester.

[0058] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is any one of a compound of the general formula IV, a compound of the general formula V, or a compound of the general formula VI; wherein R₁-R₁₂ are independently selected from H, OH, OSO₂NR₁₃R₁₄, O—CH₃,; wherein at least one of R₁-R₁₂ is OSO₂NR₁₃R₁₄, and wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are defined as above.

[0059] Preferably, at least one of R₁₃ and R₁₄ is H. Preferably, each of R₁₃ and R₁₄ is H.

[0060] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is a sulphamate of any one of the flavone of formula VII, the isoflavone of formula VIII, or the flavanone of formula IX.

[0061] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is the sulphamate of any one of formula VII, formula VIII or formula IX.

[0062] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is a sulphamate of any one of a flavone, an isoflavone or a flavanone; and wherein the sulphamoyl group is on the C4′ atom of the flavone, isoflavone or flavanone. The C4′ position has been shown in general Formula III according to the present invention.

[0063] Preferably, the compound of the present invention is a flavonoid or flavanoid sulphamate.

[0064] In summation the present invention provides compounds that avoid the need for polytherapy. In this regard, the compounds of the present invention can act as therapeutic agents that possess both aromatase and steroid sulphatase inhibitory properties.

[0065] Preferably, if the sulphamate group of the compound of the present invention were to be replaced with a sulphate group so as to form a sulphate compound then that sulphate compound would be hydrolysable by an enzyme having steroid sulphatase (E.C 3.1.6.2) activity.

[0066] The compound of the present invention may have one or more sulphamate groups. For example, the compound may be a mono-sulphamate or a bis-sulphamate. For example, in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 R₃ and R₄ may be each a sulphamate.

[0067]FIGS. 1 and 2 present schematic pathways; FIGS. 3-10 present chemical formulae; and FIG. 11 presents a graph.

[0068] The present invention will now be described only by way of example.

[0069] Compounds Synthesised

[0070] The following sulphamate derivatives were synthesised from the following parent compounds: PARENT SULPHAMATE COMPOUND COMPOUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

[0071] wherein

[0072] 1=6-hydroxy flavone

[0073] 2=flavone-6-sulphamate

[0074] 3=7-hydroxy flavone

[0075] 4=flavone-7-sulphamate

[0076] 5=5,7-dihydroxy flavone

[0077] 6=5-hydroxy-flavone-7-sulphamate

[0078] 7=5,7-dihydroxy-4′-hydroxy-flavone

[0079] 8=5,7-dihydroxy flavanone-4′-flavanone sulphamate

[0080] 9=5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-isoflavone

[0081] 10=5-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-isoflavone-isoflavone-7-sulphamate

[0082] The formulae are presented in FIGS. 7-9.

[0083] Synthesis

[0084] The sulphamate derivatives were prepared essentially as described previously²⁹. In this regard, a solution of the appropriate flavone, isoflavone or flavanone in anhydrous DMF was treated with sodium hydride (60% dispersion; 1 equiv for 2 and 4; 2 equiv for 6, 8 and 10) at 0° C. under an atmosphere of N₂. After evolution of hydrogen had ceased, sulfamoyl chloride (2 equiv except for 8, 5 equiv) was added and the reaction mixture was poured into brine after warming co room temperature overnight and diluting with ethyl acetate. The organic fraction was washed exhaustively with brine, dried (MaSO₄), filtered and evaporated. The crude product obtained was purified by flash chromatography and recrystallisation to give the corresponding sulfamate.

[0085] Flavone 6-O-sulphamate (2)

[0086] 6-Hydroxyflavone (1.0 g, 4.113 mmol) gave crude product (1.21 g) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with ethyl acetate. Upon evaporation, the first fraction gave a creamy, residue (760 mg, 58.2%) which was recrystallised in warm acetone/hexane (3:2) to give 2 as creamy rod-shaped crystals (557 mg). m.p. 190-191° C., R_(f)s=0.71 (ethyl acetate). 0.51 (ethyl acetate/hexane. 2:1), νmax (KBr) 3260, 3040, 1620, 1600, 1580, 1370, 1180 cm⁻¹; δ_(H) (acetone-d₆) 6.917 (1H, s, C-3-H), 7.355 (2H, brs, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂), 7.64 (3H, m, C-3′-H, C-4′-H and C-5′-H), 7.75 (1H, dd, J_(C-8-H, C-7-H)=9 Hz and J_(C-5-H, C-7-H)=3 Hz, C-7-H). 7.87 (1H, d, J_(C-7-H, C-8-H)=9 Hz, C-8-H). 8.02 (1H, d, J_(C-7-H, C-5-H)=3 Hz, C-5-H) and 8.13 (2H, m, C-2′-H and C-6′-H. MS: m/z (E.I. rel. intensity) 317.0(11). 304.2(6), 238.0(96), 210.0(16), 187.1(14), 152.0(8). 136.0(100). Acc. MS (E.I.): m/z 317.0296, C₁₅H₁₁NO₅S requires 317.0358. Found C, 56.7; H, 3.44; N, 4.31. C₁₅H₁₁NO₅S requires C, 56.78; H. 3.49; N, 4.41%.

[0087] Flavone 7-O-sulphamate (4)

[0088] 7-Hydroxyflavone (700 mg, 2.938 mmol) gave crude product (770 mg) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with ethyl acetate. Upon evaporation, the first fraction gave a light brown residue (132 mg) which was recrystallised in hot isopropyl alcohol [5 to give 4 as white needle-shaped crystals (60 mg), m.p. 172-174° C. (dec.); R_(f)s=0.78 (ethyl acetate), 0.56 (ethyl acetate/hexane, 4.1); νmax (KBr) 3260, 3100, 1630, 1600, 1400, 1580, 1200, 1150 cm⁻¹; δ_(H) (DMSO-d₆/CDCl₃, ca. 1:20) 6.824 (1H, s. C-3-H), 7.396 (1H, dd, J_(C-5-H, C-6-H)=8.8 Hz and J_(C-8-H, C-6-H)=2.2 Hz, C-6-H) 7.47 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂), 7.55 (3H, m, C-3′-H, C-4′-H and C-5′-H), 7.639 (1H: d, J_(C-6-H, C-8-H)=2.2 Hz, C-8-H), 7.92 (2H, m, C-2′-H and C-6′-H) and 8.220 (1H, d, J_(C-6-H, C-5-H)=8.8 Hz, C-5-H). Found: C, 56.5: H,3.36; N, 4.19. C₁₅H₁₁NO₅S requires C, 56.78; H. 3.49; N, 4.41%.

[0089] 5-Hydroxyflavone 7-O-Sulphamate (6)

[0090] 5,7-Dihydroxyflavone (1.0 g. 3.933 mmol) gave crude product (1.13 g) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with chloroform/acetone (8:1). Upon evaporation, the second fraction gave a yellow residue (324 mg, 24.7%) which was recrystallised in ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1) to give 6 as yellow crystals (213 mg), m.p. 195-200° C. (dec.); R_(f)s=0.21, 0.25 and 0.44 for chloroform/acetone 12:1, 8:1 and 4:1 respectively: νmax (KBr) 3360, 3250, 2925-2850, 1650, 1610, 1380 cm⁻¹, δ_(H) (acetone-d₆) 675, 6.98, 7.17 (3H, three s, C-3-H, C-6-H, C-8H), 7.63 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂), 7.65 (3H, m, C-3′-H, C-4′-H and C-5′-H), 8.15 (2H, d, J=7.7 Hz, C-2′-H and C-6′-H) and 13.0 (1H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, C-5-OH). MS: m/z (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 440.1 (10). 389.3(10), 334.1[100, (M+H)⁺], 288.1(17). 255.0[25, (M+H−79)⁺], 169.1(30). MS: m/z (−ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 499.0(30), 484.1[14, (M−2H+153)⁻], 475.1(20), 413.1(24), 332.1[100, (M−H)⁻], 308.1(28), 274.1(20) 253.1[50, (M−H−79)⁻], 195.1(24). Acc. MS (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA): m/z 334.0392. C₁₅H₁₂NO₆S requires 334.0385. Found: C, 54.0; H, 3.39; N, 4.21. C₁₅H₁₁NO₆S requires C, 54.03; H, 3.33; N, 4.20%.

[0091] 5,7-Dihydroxyflavanone 4′-O-sulphamate (8)

[0092] 4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavanone (1.0 g, 3.675 mmol) gave crude product (965 mg) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with ethyl acetate/hexane (4:1) to give a mixture of the starting flavanone and product. This mixture was further fractionated on silica (200 g) with chloroform/acetone (4:1) and upon evaporation, the second fraction gave a pale yellow oil (345 mg, 34%) which solidified on standing. Subsequent recrystallisation of this solid in ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1) cave 8 as white crystals (259 m,). m.p. 211-213° C: R_(f)=0.21 (chloroform/acetone, 4:1); νmax (KBr) 3420, 3340, 3260, 3140, 1640, 1510, 1380, 1160 cm⁻¹; δ_(H)(acecone-d₆) 2.84 (1H, dd, J_(AB)=17.4 Hz and J

.eq=3.1 Hz, C-3-H₈). 3.19 (1H, dd, J_(BA)=16.9 Hz and J

=12.8 Hz, C-3-H_(A)), 5.62 (1H, dd, J

.eq=3.1 Hz and J

=12.8 Hz. C-2-H), 5.98 (1H, d, J=2.0 Hz, C-6-H or C-8-H), 6.01 (1H, d, J=2.0 Hz, C-6-H or C-8-H), 7.20 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂), 7.40 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz, C-2′-H and C-6′-H). 7.66 (2H, d, J=8.7 Hz, C-3′-H and C-5′-H). 9.65 (1H, br s, C-7-OH) and 12.15 (1H, s, C-5-OH). MS: m/z (+ve ion FAB in m-BA, rel. intensity) 352.0[100, (M+H)⁺], 288.1(10), 272.1[14, (M−79)⁻], 255.2(9), 169.0(13). MS: m/z (−ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 701.2(12), 606.2(10). 517.1(42). 504.1[20, (M+153)⁻]473.2(10), 350.1[100, (M−H)⁻],271.1[45, (M−H−79)⁻], 182.0(8). Acc. MS (+ve ton FAB in m-NBA): m/z 352.0496, C₁₅H₁₄NO₇S requires 352.0491.

[0093] Found: C, 51.1; H. 3.68: N, 3.98. C₁₅H₁₃NO₇S requires C, 51.28; H, 3.73: N, 3.99%.

[0094] 5-Hydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone 7′-O-sulphamate (10)

[0095] 5,7-Dihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone (800 mg, 2.817 mmol) gave crude product (650 mg) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with chloroform/acetone (8:1). Upon evaporation, the second fraction gave a yellow residue (266 mg, 26%) which was recrystallised in ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1) to give 10 as yellow crystals (211 mg), m.p. 184-188° C.; R_(f)s=0.22 and 0.59 for chloroform/acetone 8:1 and 4:1 respectively; νmax (KBr) 3300-3020, 1660, 1610, 1400 cm⁻¹, δ_(H) (acetone-d₆) 3.86 (3H, s, —OCH₃), 6.75 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, C-6-H or C-8-H), 7.04 (3H, m, C-6-H or C-8-H and C-3′-H and C-5′-H), 7.49 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂). 7.58 (2H, d, J=7 Hz, C-2′-H and C-6′-H), 8.41 (1H, s, C-2-H), 13.05 (1H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, C-5-OH). MS: m/z (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 393.3(12), 364.0(100, (M+H)⁺], 284.1[12, (M−79)⁺], 169.1(24), 134.0(22). MS: m/z (−ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 529.1(25), 515.1[12. (M−H+153)⁻], 442.1(20), 362.1[100, (M−H)⁻], 308.1(34), 283.1[70, (M−H−79)⁻]. 170.1(26). Acc. MS (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA): m/z 364.0494. C₁₆HA₁₄NO₇S requires 364.0491.

[0096] Found: C, 52.8; H, 3.65; N, 3.81. C₁₆H₁₃NO₇S requires C, 52.89; H. 3.61; N, 3.85%.

[0097] 5-Hydroxy Isoflavone-4′,7-O,O— Disulphamate (11) and 5,7-Dihydroxy Isoflavone-4′-O-Sulphamate (12)

[0098] 4′,5,7-Trihydroxy isoflavone (0.5 g, 1.85 mmol) upon sulphamoylation gave a crude product (0.65 g) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with chloroform/acetone (4:1), and upon evaporation the third fraction gave a light yellow residue (0.329 g, 51%) which was recrystallized in ethylacetate/hexane (1:2) to give compound (11) as beige crystals (0.197 g); m.p=>198° C. (dec); R_(f)s=0.14 and 0.24 for chloroform/acetone 4:1 and 2:1 respectively; v^(max) (KBr) 3460 (—NH₂), 1650 (C═O), 1400 (—SO₂N—) cm⁻⁵[H (acetone-d₆) 6.78 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, C-6-H or C-8-H, 7.03 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, C-8-H or C-6-H), 7.4 (4H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, C-4′-OSO₇NH₂ and C-7-OSO₂NH₂), 7.43 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, C-3′- and C-5′-H or C-2′-H and C-6′-H and C-6′-H), 7.72 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, C-2′-H and C-6′-H or C-3′-H and C-5′-H), 8.51 (1H, s, C-2-H) and 12.93 (1H, s, C-5-OH). MS: m/z (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 428.9 [100, (M+H)⁺], 350.0 [20, (M+H—SO₂NH₂)⁺], 272.1 [30, (M−H—SO₂NH₂)⁺]. MS: m/z (−ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 426.9 [100, (M−H)⁻], 347.9 [95, (M−H—SO₂NH₂)⁻], 269.0 [30, (M−H—SO₂NH₂)⁻]. Acc. MS: m/z (FAB)⁺429.0083 C₁₅H₁₃N₂O₉S₂ requires 429.0063. Found C, 42.0; H. 2.91; N, 6.45; C₁₅H₁₂N₂O₉S₂ requires C, 42.06; H, 2.82; N, 6.54%.

[0099] The second fraction was collected and upon evaporation gave light yellow residue (0.112 g, 17%) which was recrystallized in ethylacetate/hexane (1:3) to give compound (12) as pale white crystals (0.068 g); m.p.=189-192° C. R_(f)s=0.23 and 0.33 for chloroform/acetone 4:1 and 2:1 respectively; v^(max) (KBr) 3500-3300 (—NH₂), 3200 (H-bonded-OH), 1680 (C═O), 1610, 1400 (—SO₂N—)cm⁻¹; δ_(H) (acetone-d₆) 6.32 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, C-6-H or C-8-H), 6.46 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, C-8-H or C-6-H), 7.32 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —SO₂NH₂), 7.42 (2H, t, J=8.4 Hz, C-3′-H and C-5′-H or C-2′-H and C-6′-H, 7.69 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz, C-2′-H and C-6′-H or C-3′-H and C-5′-H), 8.31 (1H, s, C-2-H), 9.53 (1H, s, C-7-OH) and 12.9 (1H, s, C-5-OH). MS: m/z (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 350.0 [100, (M+H)⁺], 271.1 [15, (M+H—SO₂NH₂)⁺]. MS: m/z (−ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 347.9 [100, (M−H)⁻], 269.0 [20, (M−H—SO₂NH₂)⁻]. Acc. MS: m/z (FAB)⁺350.0347 C₁₅H₁₂NO₇S requires 350.0335. Found C, 51.0; H, 3.16; N, 3.90; C₁₅H₁₁NO₇S requires C, 51.58; H, 3.17; N, 4.01%.

[0100] Isoflavone-4′,7-O,O-Disulphamate (13)

[0101] 4′,7-Dihydroxy isoflavone (0.45 g, 1.77 mmol) upon sulphamoylation gave a crude product (0.769 g) which was fractionated on silica (200 g) with chloroform/acetone (4:1), and upon evaporation the second fraction gave a pale white residue (0.553 g, 72%) which was recrystallized in acetone/hexane (1:2) to give the compound (13) as white crystals (0.27 g); m.p. >195° C. (dec.); R_(f)s=0.21 and 0.40 for chloroform/acetone 4:1 and 2:1 respectively; v^(max) (KBr) 3400 (—NH₂), 1640 (C═O), 1360 (—SO₂N—) cm⁻¹. δ_(H) (DMSO-d₆), 7.37 (2H, d, J=8.8 Hz, C-3′-H and C-5′-H or C-2′-H and C-6′-H, 7.42 (1H, dd, J_(C-6-H, C-8-H)=2.2 Hz, J_(C-6-H, C-5-H)=8.8 Hz, C-6-—), 7.7 (2H, d, J=8.8 Hz, C-2′-H and C-6′-H or C-3′-H and C-5′-H), 8.09 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂), 8.24 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz, C-5-H, 8.36 (2H, br s, exchanged with D₂O, —OSO₂NH₂)), 8.63 (1H, s, C-2-H). MS: m/z (+ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 412.9 [100, (M+H)⁺], 334.0 [25, (M+H—SO₂NH₂)⁺], 255.1 [20, (M+H—SO₂NH₂)⁺]. MS: m/z (−ve ion FAB in m-NBA, rel. intensity) 410.9 [100, (M−H)⁻], 332.0 (70, (M−H—SO₂NH₂)⁻], 253.0 [30, (M−H—SO₂NH₂)⁻]. Acc. MS: m/z (FAB)⁺413.0119 C₁₅H₁₃N₂O₈S₂ requires 413.0113 Found C, 44.0; H, 2.94; N, 6.62; C₁₅H₁₂N₂O₈S₂ requires C, 43.69; H, 9.3; N, 6.79%.

[0102] Assay of Inhibition of Sulphatase And Aromatase Activities

[0103] Sulphatase inhibition was assessed using placental microsome (100,000 g) preparations or intact MCF-7 breast cancer cells as described previously 29,30 Placental microsomes were incubated with ³H E1S, adjusted to 20 pM with unlabelled substrate, in the absence or presence of inhibitor.

[0104] Placental microsomes were also used to assess the aromatase inhibitory properties of the flavanoid sulphamates using a tritiated water release assay³⁷. Further placental microsomes (200 μl) were incubated with [1 β-³H] androstenedione, 60 nM and 1 mM NADPH in the absence or presence of inhibitor.

[0105] Inhibition of Sulphatase and Aromatase Activities

[0106] Inhibition of oestrone sulphatase and aromatase activities in placental microsomes by the flavanoid sulphamate derivatives is shown in the Table below. % % CONCENTRATION INHIBITION INHIBITION COMPOUND μM Sulphatase Aromatase Flavone-6- 1 26.8 1 sulphamate 10 89.5 6.5 Flavone-7- 1 — 55 sulphamate 10 — 86 50 56.3 100 75.3 5-hydroxy 1 8 5 flavone-7- 10 21 76 sulphamate 5,7-dihydroxy 0.1 30.4 Not tested flavanone 4′- 1 79.1 Not tested sulphamate 10 98.1 Not tested 5-hydroxy-4′- 1 1 2 methoxy- 10 50.6 5 isoflavone-7- sulphamate

[0107] From the results, it can be seen that potent inhibition of sulphatase and aromatase activities was detected. For sulphatase inhibition this ranged from 21% at 10 μM by 5-hydroxy flavone-7-sulphamate, to 98% by 5,7-dehydroxy flavanone-4′-sulphamate at 10 μM. Potent aromatase inhibition was also achieved ranging from 6.5% by flavone-6-sulphamate at 10 μM to 86% by flavone-7-sulphamate at 10 μM.

[0108] Further In Vitro Testing

[0109] The following Table presents in vitro data for three isoflavones that were tested. IN VITRO ACTIVITY % Inhibition Concentration Placental Compound (μM) MCF-7 Cells Microsomes Isoflavone 5-hydroxy-4′,7- 0.1 28 nd bissulphamate 1.0 90 nd 10.0 99 93 Isoflavone 5,7-dihydroxy- 0.1 23 nd 4′-sulphamate 1.0 83 nd 10.0 99 75 Isoflavone-4′,7- 0.1 89 nd bissulphamate 1.0 99 nd 10.0 99 99

[0110] In Vivo Testing

[0111]FIG. 11 presents in vivo inhibition of oestrone sulphatase activity in rat liver for two isoflavones according to the present invention. In this regard, BH22F1=5-hydroxy isoflavone-4′,7-bissulphamate; BH22BF 1=5,7-dihydroxy isoflavone-4′-sulphamate. Compounds were administered as a single 10 mg/Kg dose. Oestrone sulphatase activity was assayed in tissue samples obtained 24 h after drug administration.

[0112] Compounds 14-16

[0113] Starting with the appropriate parent compound, the ring system sulphamates according to the present invention were prepared essentially as follows. In this regard, a solution of the appropriate parent compound in anhydrous DMF was treated with sodium hydride [60% dispersion; 1.2 equiv.] at 0° C. under an atmosphere of N₂. After evolution of hydrogen had ceased, sulfamoyl chloride in toluene [excess, ca. 5 equiv.] was added and the reaction mixture was poured into brine after warming to room temperature overnight and diluting with ethyl acetate. The organic fraction was washed exhaustively with brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated. The crude product obtained was purified by flash chromatography and recrystallisation to give the corresponding sulfamate. All the compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic and combustion analysis.

[0114] Example compounds are as follows:

[0115] The following compounds of the present invention are made and are found to be steroid sulphatase inhibitors in accordance with the present invention.

[0116] The synthesis and biological activity of futher compounds in accordance with the present invention are set out in Appendix I.

[0117] Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in chemistry, biology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

REFERENCES

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1. A sulphamate compound of general formula I;

wherein A represents the first ring structure, B represents the third ring structure, D represents the second ring structure, C is an optional double bond, E is a link joining the second ring structure to the third ring structure, X represents a suitable first group, and Y represents a suitable second group; wherein any one of ring structures A, B and D is a phenolic ring; and wherein any one of ring structures A, B and D has bound thereto a sulphamate group
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein if the sulphamate group on the compound were replaced with a sulphate group to form a sulphate compound, then that sulphate compound would be hydrolysable by an enzyme having steroid sulphatase (E.C.3.1.6.2) activity.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound has the general formula II

wherein F represents a phenolic ring structure (the first ring structure), J represents the third ring structure, I represents a phenolic ring structure (the second ring structure), G is an optional double bond, H is a link joining the second ring structure to the third ring structure, and Y represents a suitable second group; wherein any one of ring structures F, J and I has bound thereto a sulphamate group.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the first ring structure and the second ring structure are substituted.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein any one of ring structures A or F and D or I has bound thereto a sulphamate group.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the third ring structure is a heterogeneous ring structure.
 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X is C═O.
 8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Y is O.
 9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound of the present invention is a sulphamate of any one of a flavone, an isoflavone or a flavanone.
 10. A compound according to claim 9 wherein the compound is any one of: a compound of the general formula IV, a compound of the general formula V or a compound of the general formula VI;

wherein R₁-R₁₂ are independently selected from H, OH, a halogen, an amine, an amide, a sulphonamine, a sulphonamide, any other sulphur containing group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an aryl group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ether, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ester, and a phosphorous containing group; and wherein at least one of R₁-R₁₂ is a sulphamate group.
 11. A compound according to claim 10 wherein the sulphamate group has the general formula OSO₂NR₁₃R₁₄ wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently selected from H, OH, a halogen, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an aryl group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ether, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ester.
 12. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R₁-R₁₂ are independently selected from H, OH, OSO₂NR₁₃R₁₄, O—CH₃, wherein at least one of R₁-R₁₂ is OSO₂NR₁₃R₁₄, and wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently selected from H, OH, a halogen, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an aryl group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ether, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ester.
 13. A compound according to claim 10 wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are H.
 14. A compound according to claim 11 wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are H.
 15. A compound according to claim 12 wherein R₁₃ and R₁₄ are H.
 16. A compound to claim 1 wherein the compound is a sulphamate of any one of the flavones of formula VII, the isoflavones of formula VIII or the flavanones of formula IX

 wherein R₁-R₄ are independently selected from H, OH, a halogen, an amine, an amide, a sulphonamine, a sulphonamide, any other sulphur containing group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an aryl group, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ether, a saturated or unsaturated C₁₋₁₀ ester, and a phosphorous containing group; and wherein at least one of R₁-R₄ is a sulphamate group.
 17. A compound according to claim 16 wherein the sulphamate group is on R₄.
 18. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound is a flavanoid sulphamate.
 19. A composition for inhibiting oestrone sulphatase activity and aromatase activity comprising a compound according to claim
 1. 20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 3; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.
 22. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 10; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.
 23. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 13; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.
 21. A method of inhibiting oestrone sulphatase activity in a subject in need of same, comprising administering to said subject an oestrone sulphatase inhibiting amount of a compound of a compound according to claim
 1. 22. A process for preparing a compound according to claim 1, the process comprising reacting a non-sulphamated flavone, isoflavone or a flavanone compound with a sulphamoylating agent to form the compound. 